The effects of pregnancy to teenage woman are characterized by a roller coaster of emotions.  It would usually evoke repulsion, anger, and derision in the family.  And in most cases, the girl is most affected – she could be plagued with ridicule, depression, helplessness, frustration, and guilt.

Effects to the Teenage Mother

As a teenage mother, your body is not yet fully developed.  While you may bounce back from pregnancy more quickly, the development and proper growth of your reproductive organs (and all other parts of your body) may be inhibited.

Mentally, you are not an adult yet.  The part of your brain that aids in logic and decision-making are not yet matured.  Combine this with the fact that you have less real-world experience and education than an older woman.  This would mean that you will not be able to make good decisions for you and your unborn child.

Furthermore, you must take a lot of responsibilities that you might not be prepared to fulfill.  During your pregnancy, you may miss many opportunities and typical experiences that others do – general freedom of choice, high school graduation, and college.  Truly, the effects of pregnancy to teenage woman hamper their physical and mental development.

Effects to the Fetus

New studies show that babies of teens are more likely to be affected with neural tube defects than babies of older women.  However, Samanthi Abeywardana of National Perinatal Statistics Unit (Australian Institute Health Welfare) said, “Mounting evidence shows that increased folic acid intake around conception will decrease this prevalence.”

Generally, young moms are not aware about proper nutrition and safety precautions that a woman should take during pregnancy.  More likely, they are under a lot of stress and will skimp on medical care.  All these effects of pregnancy to teenage woman also distress fetal development.

Effects to the Child

Children of teen moms also tend to have more troubles in school and health problems than normal children.  Often, single-parent homes have lack of attention and supervision.  So if you have to work 3 jobs to keep your child clothed and fed, you may not have time to keep an eye in his nutrition, monitor his activities, or help in his homework.

But regardless of the effects of pregnancy to teenage woman, Sarah Palin (U.S. Republican Vice President Nominee), stood by her pregnant 17-year old daughter and said “our decision is to keep the child.”  This response garnered appreciation even from her rivals.